Thursday 17 December 2009

Past Christmases

PhotoStory Friday
Hosted by Cecily and Honey Mommy



Photos copyright: Maggie May


As I have said before, this Christmas will be like no other because I don't know what to expect or how I will feel after chemotherapy. I have to be at the hospital by 8.15 am to start the treatment on Tuesday. My daughter and the grandsons will be here this Sunday and we are hoping to have a chicken roast on Monday just in case I feel too ill to eat over Christmas. I will enjoy a glass of wine with it as I don't suppose I will be allowed to drink or even feel like it from the next day onwards.

So I have been looking through old photos of Christmases past. The younger grandson in the above picture put on two Christmas hats.He must have pinched the second one from his brother. He certainly had a triumphant look on his face.


This one was taken a good few years ago when the oldest granddaughter received a microphone for Christmas and she practiced being a diva for days. She was only here for a short time and had to go back to Japan again after that. It always caused me great distress to say goodbye.

Here she is again showing off....... the same Christmas.

The picture below shows the wonder of Christmas to a small child (same one again) looking at the lights. I think this one was taken when they lived in Japan.
They are flying out to see their other grandparents on Christmas Eve. They will be sadly missed. However when they are here, the other grandparents miss them too, so it seems that one or the other of our families are going to be sad some of the time. Can't be helped.



Photostory Friday is hosted by Cecily.

37 comments:

Rose said...

These photos are treasures, Maggie! Even if the granddaughters aren't here for Christmas, they will still be in your heart. I know these adorable children will help you get through the next week. Celebrating Christmas on Monday sounds like a great plan!

Marguerite said...

Such beautiful photos and memories! Your grandchildren are adorable and the little Diva is a real character.(so cute) Wishing you and your family blessings on Christmas and always.

Rosaria Williams said...

Lovely grandchildren. I'll be praying for your quick recovery, and easy reaction to chemo.

Suburbia said...

Beautiful children :) Lovely photos. I am glad will be celebrating time together on Monday. I so hope you feel well enough to enjoy some of the Christmas break, I will hope and wish that you do .

Sx

Honey Mommy said...

What fun photos! Here's hoping that you feel good for Christmas!

Eddie Bluelights said...

NIce photos Maggie and of course Maria and I are looking forward to seeing you soon. The 'boss' will ring you. LOL

larkswing said...

Wonderful photos of Christmases past! Will be praying that your first chemo is the way my mom's was - no sickness what so ever. May that be your Christmas gift! Have a wonderful weekend with the grands!

Jackie said...

These are beautiful photos of Christmas past. Your grandchildren are treasures from God....and I know that it is heartbreaking to see them leave. I feel the same way...and mine live next door. I can't imagine having them as far away as you do, my friend. I love the precious photos of them that you have shared with us. Enjoy the meal this Sunday. I will be thinking of you as you have your Christmas dinner and wine....blessings to you, Maggie.
And you may rest assured that on Tuesday, prayers will be triple-timing themselves to our Lord.
A great biiiig hug to you from one of your many friends across the pond...
Love,
Jackie

Emily said...

How nice to look back on past Christmases. I hope you feel OK this year.

Bernie said...

Maggie your grandchildren are adorable.....enjoy your Sunday dinner and I am praying you will enjoy your Christmas dinner as well Maggie......always in my thoughts and prayers....:-) Hugs

Chris said...

Wonderful grandparents make the world go 'round.

I hope the chemo isn't too terrible. Stay strong, and know that you are in many thoughts and prayers.

Formerly known as Frau said...

So pretty...have a wonderful weekend!

Jeni said...

Nothing like some good pictures of youngsters enjoying the Holiday, is there?
We're planning a big feast Christmas Eve and all the grandkids and stepgrandkids will be here along with their parent(s) plus my son, his girlfriend and her daughter as well! Should be interesting, to say the least!
Maggie -I know you're worrying about the chemo and the affect it will have on you, your system but ya know, I think you are like me -one tough old bird, ya know -and I'd be willing to put my money on you, that you will come through the chemo, maybe with some "issues" here and there, but basically, like the champ you are! There's very little you can do about how the chemo will react with your system at the outset here, so just sit back and tell yourself it's just doing what it has to do and "This too will pass!" Because, ya know, it will -pass! I just don't want to see you get yourself worked up into a bit of a dither until AFTER you see how your system responds. Go with the flow, my friend and you'll weather this storm just as you've come through many other -intact. Only Positive thinking here allowed -don't let anything negative, at all, in to clutter up the mix!
Prayers and peace.

Anonymous said...

I love the pictures - and I don't see why you shouldn't drink wine during your chemo. I certainly did, although I never felt much like anything other than water for the couple of days immediately after each treatment. You will I'm sure want to (and should do) drink LOTS of water, from the moment the first drug hits your system. Have you got to get up in the middle of Monday night for the pre-treatment drugs?
Enjoy your lunch on Monday!

Raise Them Up said...

Thank you so much for sharing your grandchildren with us!

My own parents live 12 hours from us and when we don't go home, the holidays always seem to be missing something. Enjoy your family when you see them. :) And I'm praying now that God will walk with you through your treatments.

Blessings

Akelamalu said...

I love looking at past Christmas photos - they bring back such lovely memories.

I'll be thinking of you on Tuesday m'dear and sending you oodles of Reiki light.xxxx

Boozy Tooth said...

Gosh Maggie, I didn't know about the chemo. I guess it kind of sucks having to go through it during the holidays, but you don't want to wait on something as important as that.

I'll be sending up some prayers for you, sweetie.

Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos with us.

SandyCarlson said...

Your photos are wonderful, Maggie. Kids make it all good, somehow. Thank God for their magic.

Midlife Roadtripper said...

"so it seems that one or the other of our families are going to be sad some of the time"

Isn't that the way it is. You take good care of yourself and in spite of not feeling so well, enjoy the quiet and the lights. And that glass of wine.

Best of the holidays to you.

david mcmahon said...

You know we're thinking of you, praying for you, and channelling strength to you in every conceivable way.

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Oh, Maggie...These are simply gorgeous photos...and your grandchildren are beautiful!!! And sooo photogenic!!! You must be so proud of them, and of course, you miss them!!!! Have a wonderful meal on Monday...and of course, you will especially be in my prayers come Tuesday!!!! Sending you much, much love!!! Merry Christmas!!! Janine XO

Jackie said...

It's me again, Maggie... :))
I'm checking in on my friend again...
I have Tuesday marked in my journal...and I wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts.
Put your arms around yourself and give yourself a gentle squeeeze, please...that is a love hug from me. I wish I could give it to you myself. I would.
I'm thinking of you on Sunday, too as you enjoy your chicken roast and all the festivites to celebrate the birth of our Savior.
Merry Christmas to you, Maggie.
Hugs and much love to you from Jackie

Reasons said...

I especially love that last photo. So sorry I have been a poor blogger of late Maggie May. I do hope you have some fun. Thanks for all your messages this year. Sending you love and wishes you well. xx

Sarah Lulu said...

Sending you love and healing prayers.

cheshire wife said...

I hope that your grandchildren will help you to get through the next few months. Enjoy Monday's meal, but it won't be your last! Will be thinking about you on Tuesday.

Anonymous said...

What lovely photos, full of priceless memories. Enjoy your chicken dinner and stay positive. You're in my thoughts.

CJ xx

CC said...

Lovely photos. Hugs and prayers and you begin chemo.

Dimple said...

I'm sure your grandkids bring you joy. The pic with the blue lights is wonderful! Healing prayers continue, may God heal you quickly.

Brian Miller said...

what wonderful pics! love pics of kids at the holidays. it is so magical to them and they spread it in their smiles!

Hilary said...

Lovely photos, Maggie... I especially love that last one.

Be strong, my friend. I know you'll weather this storm and enjoy many, MANY future Christmases.

Hugs to you.

Suldog said...

Adorable photos, Maggie!

Stay strong and keep the faith! We're all in your corner on this!

Unseen India Tours said...

Hi Maggie !! It seems kids are really having a fantastic time thinking about the Festival.Great

Strawberry Jam Anne said...

Dear Maggie

Have just read your post, the first time for a few weeks and realised that you are about to undergo a course of chemotherapy. I will be thinking of you and send my very best wishes to you. Hope you recover well from it and enjoy your Christmas. Lovely photos of your past Christmases. I know what you mean about having to say goodbye to grandchildren!

I wish you and your family well for 2010. A x

What About The Girl? said...

Oh I love the last picture! There is something about the blue...

Dear Maggie May, you are in my thoughts and my prayers as you go through an ordeal today...
Hugs!

King of New York Hacks said...

Brilliant pictures to put a smile on anyone's face. Sending you many healing Honks from my Taxi in NYC !!
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

Unknown said...

They are so wonderful. I am glad you have them. And I am SO glad they have you.

kanishk said...

children will help you get through the next week. Celebrating Christmas on Monday sounds like a great plan!
Work from home India